I fly solo to break down the 2026 CrossFit Open with less emotion and more perspective, using the athlete experience, the affiliate reality, and what the workouts say about the CrossFit brand. We walk through 26.1, 26.2, and 26.3 to pull out practical lessons on inclusivity, logistics, mobility, pacing, and what to train for next year.

• why Open programming critiques get biased fast
• the three perspectives that matter: athlete, affiliate, brand
• 26.1 as a leg stamina grinder and why wall ball volume can turn people off
• what affiliates gain from simple setups and teachable basics
• 26.2 as the most “Open” feeling test with overhead lunges, dumbbell snatches, and gymnastics progressions
• how mobility limits overhead positions more than strength
• the community impact of first ring muscle-ups and “who’s next?”
• 26.3 lessons on burpee pacing and push-pull balance under fatigue
• why the strength element felt late for many athletes and how it could shift
• predictability trends in Open workouts and why surprises matter
• what affiliates can measure from scores to coach better all year
• the plan to retest past Open workouts as a yearly roadmap

Be on the lookout for next week's episode.

We sit down with Xenom founder Keith Barlow to unpack a new CrossFit-licensed, two-day, 10-event competition designed to test broad fitness without watering down the methodology. We dig into programming choices, decathlon-style scoring, and how a global standardized format could strengthen athletes, affiliates, and the wider CrossFit ecosystem.
• what Xenom is and why it is not fitness racing
• the Decathlon of Fitness concept and how 10 events fit into two days
• why Xenom is built for CrossFitters rather than maximum accessibility
• how competitions shape gym culture and training priorities for affiliates
• day one structure including max snatch, gymnastics, a 60-second bike sprint, barbell cycling, and a run-ski endurance test
• decathlon-style benchmark scoring plus progressive point value within workouts
• how programming decisions balance time domains, skills, and logistics across countries
• judging, volunteer roles, and delivering a premium athlete experience
• future event roadmap across the US and Europe
• safety planning, medical coverage, and the approach to anti-doping and integrity
Be on the lookout for next week's episode

We break down the 2026 CrossFit Quarterfinal workouts with Bobby Wallum and Dan Coda and focus on what wins: clear plans, clean execution, and a mindset that doesn’t leak energy into excuses. We talk strategy for athletes chasing semifinals and for athletes who simply want their best weekend, then finish with simple ways to stay calm when nerves hit.
• why we refuse to bash programming and focus on controllables
• how to think about workout order without over-stressing
• Workout 1 shuttle run turnarounds, overhead squat decisions, and why warm-up matters
• Workout 2 choose-your-own-adventure rep schemes, grip fatigue, and when to prioritize muscle-ups
• how the Workout 2 tiebreak can change your plan if you might not finish
• Workout 3 deadlift strategy, double-under mindset, and when to push for tiebreak
• practical logistics like multiple barbells and smart loading help
• Workout 4 row pacing, clean and jerk singles, and strict handstand push-up failure management
• closing advice on nerves, tunnel vision, and being proud of the effort
Hit us up if you need any help.